At CES 2017, Skyworks unveiled its next generation of LTE Category M-1 and NB-1 front-end solutions for machine-to-machine and Internet of Things applications requiring embedded cellular connectivity. The new multiband modules leverage half-duplex RF operation to deliver a highly integrated, turn-key solution that addresses Release 13 specifications of the 3GPP LTE standard - providing dependable, secure, low power connectivity in a compact package. These innovative products allow OEMs to simplify the design process, shorten development time, meet operator requirements worldwide and significantly accelerate time to market.

According to GSMA, cellular machine-to-machine connections are expected to grow from approximately 300 million devices today to as many as two billion by 2020. More broadly, IHS forecasts the IoT market will grow from an installed base of 15 billion devices in 2015 to 31 billion devices in 2020.

With leading cellular network operators announcing plans to enable the latest IoT standards on their networks in 2017, Skyworks is pushing the performance envelope and offering customers a single SKU, low-cost LTE solution that operates over multiple frequency bands and supports migration from 2G. Their modules are powering wireless cellular communications for applications such as wearables, action cameras, smart meters and other consumer IoT devices requiring LTE connectivity as well as paving the way for 5G machine-to-machine communication networks.

The New LTE Front-end Modules for IoT

The SKY68000, which was released earlier last year, is a hybrid RF front-end (RFFE) module supporting cellular LTE bands 4 and 13 for Category M-1 and NB-1 (half-duplex) transceiver platforms.